Fans of one of Europe's most spectacular sporting events will be able to get up and personal as the Tour of Britain comes to the Shotley peninsula.

Some of the world's top cyclists will race 192.4km, climbing a total elevation of 1,326m on Thursday, September 7, with an 8am start with the leaders expected back at Sea Road at just after 3pm.

Stage five combines a start and finish in Felixstowe, one of Suffolk's most recognisable seaside towns, at 8am and take a clockwise loop through the county's quintessentially English villages.

Freston, Holbrook, Ipswich, Hadleigh, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Framlingham, Leiston, and Woodbridge will all feature before climaxing back at Sea Road on Felixstowe seafront just after 3pm.

Primrose Hill in Holbrook, and Freston Hill coming off the Strand at the beginning of the stunning Shotley peninsula, have been chosen as the days only King of the Mountain sections, earning extra points for the riders.

These elite cyclists will whizz through Chelmondiston, past the Red Lion on the main road, as far as Shotley, before turning off down to Erwarton Hall and on to Harkstead and Holbrook.

The leaders are due to get to the Strand for the first King of the Mountain climb at 11.30am, the Red Lion six minutes later, Shotley Corner garage, about 11.44am and then Primrose Hill challenge at 11.53am.

Spectators will see about 10-15 minutes of top class cycling action live from any particular viewing spot.

The final six kilometres replicate the final stage of the Women's Tour in 2021, a stage that saw a memorable victory by the then world champion Elisa Balsamo in front of 10,000 spectators.

This year's Tour marks the 19th edition of the modern race, further extending its status as the longest-running incarnation of the event. Previous winners include all-time greats of the sport such as Wout van Aert (2021), Mathieu van der Poel (2019) and Julian Alaphilippe (2018).

Over one million spectators are expected to line the route of this unforgettable event, which also celebrates community pride, inspires future generations through a comprehensive school engagement programme, and promotes healthy living for all.

Fans can get closer to the action in 2023 with our range of hospitality packages and unforgettable race day experiences. Click here for more information.

A revamped points competition will be sponsored by cottages.com, the UK's leading provider of holiday cottages and luxury homes. More details of this year's race, including full stage routes and competing teams, will be announced in the coming weeks.

ITV4 will continue to broadcast live flag-to-flag coverage of every stage, as well as a nightly highlights show, allowing fans in the UK to watch the action unfold wherever they are. International coverage will be available in over 100 countries via Discovery Player and GCN+.

16 teams in Tour of Britain..